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Signal and Noise

Signal and Noise

By: ROI Rocket Brian Lamar and Andrew DeCilles
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Marketing Research veterans Brian Lamar and Andrew DeCilles bring you the honest conversations that the research industry needs. From trends to breaking news to ugly conversations others won’t touch; no subject is off limits. Join us for an unfiltered take on mrx with storied guests speaking their minds, expert takes on the hottest topics, and tales from those who’ve been in the trenches. Marketing Research has never been in such a season of change and outcry—we’ll help you separate the signal from the noise.ROI Rocket, Brian Lamar and Andrew DeCilles Economics Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • Does Data Quality Even Matter? Rants, Reality & Possible Solutions | Signal & Noise Ep 4
    Aug 21 2025

    In this fiery episode, hosts Brian and Andrew tackle one of the most pressing and frustrating issues in market research: data quality. After weeks (more like years) of conversations with clients, researchers, and suppliers, the hosts dive deep into why data quality feels like it’s getting worse, why the industry keeps masking the problem, and whether brands should even care.

    From the massive waste caused by fraud prevention and data cleaning to the commoditization of sample providers, Brian and Andrew don’t hold back in asking the hard questions. Does a poor-quality sample matter if agencies clean it all up before it reaches brands? And if not, what’s the long-term cost to the industry?

    If you have thoughts on Data Quality (rants or solutions), or are interested in being a guest on the show, Brian and Andrew want to hear from you!

    Connect with us:

    • LinkedIn
    • YouTube

    • ROI Rocket
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    41 mins
  • Synthetic Data, Qualtrics and Pure Spectrum Partnership, & Gig Economy Update | Signal & Noise Ep 3
    Aug 14 2025

    In this episode of Signal and Noise, hosts Brian and Andrew are back with a fresh dose of industry insights, hot takes, and personal stories, diving into three major topics shaking up the research world. They kick things off with the Qualtrics and Pure Spectrum partnership, exploring whether this could be the turning point for synthetic data in market research, the strengths and weaknesses of the approach, and the likely future of hybrid panels. Next, they spotlight the rebrand of Azure Knowledge to Mavericks, debating why the change was made and whether it works, while having some fun with its pronunciation and branding implications. Finally, they break down the recent IRS decision to raise the 1099-K reporting threshold from $600 to $2,000, discussing what it means for research participants, particularly those in healthcare and qualitative studies.

    If you have thoughts on synthetic data, rebranding in the insights space, or want to join the conversation, Brian and Andrew want to hear from you!

    Connect with us:

    • LinkedIn
    • YouTube
    • ROI Rocket
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    25 mins
  • The Slow Burn of Data Quality: A Boiling Frog in Market Research | Signal and Noise Ep 2
    Jul 24 2025

    In this episode of Signal and Noise, hosts Brian and Andrew hit the ground running - literally - fresh off a multi-city client tour. They break down the recurring (and alarming) theme they heard at nearly every stop: data quality is in a full-blown crisis.

    Brian and Andrew unpack why some researchers are tossing out nearly half of their data, how bots and disengaged respondents are wreaking havoc and why middle-tier sample market might be on its last legs. The episode ends with some must-hear rants, including Andrew’s thoughts on why terms like “proprietary” and “verified” need serious industry-wide clarity.

    Connect with us:

    • LinkedIn
    • ROI Rocket
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    39 mins
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